God, the true Gentleman - Luke 11:13 - James 4:2

 

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. BE BLESSED, ENJOY CHRIST AT CHRISTMAS!!!!

   God sent his only BEGOTTEN SON so that we may have eternal life.  However, have you ever thought of GOD as the only true GENTLEMAN?

  God sent Jesus to offer us a way of salvation or life eternal and Jesus left us the Holy Spirit as our GPS (God Positioning System).  Jesus, the son of God came to earth and was the son of man to experience our woes and no's with a path to salvation.  BUT, GOD, knowing us, earthly humans, offered us free will.  We can choose to accept the offering of Jesus or not accept it.

  God, being the true gentleman, does not force this upon us.  Remember, HE is our father in heaven; similar to our father's on earth.  My earthly father wanted the best for me, helped me over barriers when I did not know what to do, but I had the option to listen and follow his word/advice or not.  Unfortunately, I did not heed his word enough and that created many rocky roads for me in my 73 years on this earth.

   Well, God does the same.  He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us through life; often we listen to the spirit and, again, many times we do not.  But God is always there, to help us through and all we have to do is call out to him.  In my 46 years as a son of God I do fail to listen and follow HIS word/advice and, yes, in return, it creates rocky roads.  HOWEVER, I know HE is there and I just need to stop, be still, and listen.

   I cannot use the scapegoat of "well, we are human but saved through Jesus and my sins are forgiven". That simply is a rationalization we earthly beings like to use as our excuse.  THERE IS NO EXCUSE!  The Bible is our guide, GOD is our father, and if we listen, let the Holy Spirit (GPS) lead, we will be okay and live eternally.

   Here are 2 scriptures that come alongside what I am chirping about.

Luke 11: ¹³ If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Jame 4: ² Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

  Remember, GOD IS A TRUE GENTLEMAN AND ONLY GOES WHERE HE IS INVITED!  I hope you followed my rambling. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and grace

Johnny

John 3:16

 Good morning everyone.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!

  You may hear people or preachers that don't quote scripture correctly.  When this happens it is possible to mislead people who are either being witnessed to or in the discussion and interpretation of the Word of God.

  This morning I heard a preacher quote John 3:16 that (please note the error) 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only forgotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

  The scripture DOES NOT SAY FORGOTTEN!! Here is the actual King James Version: 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

  The word is "begotten" not forgotten.  There is a big difference between the two.  To be forgotten is the knowledge of that person or thing is no longer, it is lost, and one can no longer remember.

  BUT, BEGOTTEN is speaking of someone who is brought into existence and will inherit the land or kingdom of the father.

  This is JESUS and we must remember, HE is the BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD, not forgotten, and HE will return to INHERIT HIS LAND (earth) and establish HIS KINGDOM!!

  Jesus is the reason for this season and we need to remember HE IS THE BEGOTTEN SON who will return to claim HIS INHERITANCE!!  

  When you quote the Bible or paraphrase the Bible be certain that you quote correctly.  Thank you for reading and may your week be blessed, not worrying about gifts, but thinking of the LOVE that GOD HAS FOR YOU!!  Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. don't forget John 3:17 ---17 For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

  

What is Christmas to you? Jesus? The bread of Life? John 6:35

 

Merry Christmas!!  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!

  What is Christmas to you?  What great memories do you have of Christmas years gone past?

   For me, growing up what I remember most about Christmas was the excitement I had about new toys and gifts.  What about Jesus?  Oh, we went to church, but for me----I did not think about Jesus----only the new gifts and playing with my cousins.

  For my sister and I, we would rise early in the morning, way before light, and look to see what Santa had brought us.  Then we would play with those toys until time to go to grandma and grandpa Osolin's house.  These were my mother's parents.

   All her siblings and their families would gather at grandma's to finish preparing Christmas meal. Grandma still cooked on a wood burning stove and she had a gas stove as well.  It all smelled wonderful.  When it was time I can only remember seeing my dad and uncles drink this one time.  They would take a bottle of whiskey, Jack Daniels I think, and pass it around to all the men.  The men would take a drink out of the bottle, pass it on to the next man until it returned to where it started.  They may have had a second drink, not totally certain, but that was the last time I would see the whiskey.  Where did it go?  Heaven only knows. LOL

  A prayer was offered, and then the kids would eat and they would send us on the way and the parents would all eat and fellowship.  All of us cousins would take off in a certain path and go to each others homes to see their toys. First the Bakers, then Osolins, Fischers, Holcomb's and back to grandma's house for supper.

  Then often we would go to the show and see a Christmas day movie at the local theater.  Everything in EADS, Co. was within walking distance and it was a day of excitement.

   Where was Jesus in this day of festivities?  Oh, He was there, but we, I, just failed to acknowledge Him.  Looking back, I wish we, I, would have thought more about Jesus and our salvation, yet it was a great time growing up.

  Today, at a more mature age, I am more in tune with Jesus, what HE did for ME, and that God has guided my steps, corrected the bad ones, and moved me to where I am today.  For this I am thankful.  Jesus is my savior, HE shed HIS blood just for me, and I know eternity will be more than wonderful.

   Please remember what Jesus said in John 6: ³⁵ Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty".

 The toys, fellowship, fun and excitement pales in comparison to what Jesus has done for us.  Our salvation should be the excitement of our lives!  Thanks for taking time to be with me today.

I would love to hear your story. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Christians or Evangelist?

 Good morning all.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  YOU ARE BLESSED, DON'T BE STRESSED AT CHRISTMAS SEASON!!!

  Well, here is the question?  When are you a Christian and when are you an Evangelist?  

  So often we put ourselves in categories such as a Christian or an Evangelist.  This should not be the case.  Here is my simple and honest belief and opinion.

   I am a Christian when I am in my closet praying, doing my Bible study, and in church worshiping.  When I step out of these boundaries, then I become an Evangelist and should tell others about Jesus Christ, salvation, and eternal life.

  Psalm 96:3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

  Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

  Soooooo, this is my belief, opinion, and interpretation.  Let me know what you think.

   Merry Christmas, love y'all, and thanks for reading.

Johnny

Hmmmmm.........interesting how our Christian life is like a gym membership!

 

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!

  As I was driving and listening to my Christian radio station I started thinking about Christmas and what most people everywhere do.  During the Christmas season we hustle, bustle, move into crowded lines, get angry at other drivers, don't know why people are so rude. (as if we are not at the time)

  Then, once we get home, we hang out our sign, "Jesus is the reason for the season", and we go about  smiling, being friendly, and loving our neighbors (when away from the crowds).

   We pull out our Bible, some of which have not been touched since Christmas last year, or possibly Easter and we become that good, friendly and loving Christian.

  Here we go, we are on "FIRE" for GOD!  Let's git'r boys, Jesus is great, we need to pray, go to church and be a good Christian. BUT, how long does this FIRE last?

   It reminds me so much of gym memberships.  We eat too much, way too much over thanksgiving and Christmas.  Then we join a gym in January (they all have specials to join) and we plan to git'r dun, however, after.......oh......3 or 4 weeks, maybe a little longer,  we either don't have the time or the desire to go anymore.

    Wow!!!  Does that ever parallel many Christians life?  So what can we do about it?  Nothing?  Well, when someone 'new' comes in, greet and meet them and see if you can be an "accountability buddy" with them.  Noooo, don't call it that, but just befriend them, show Jesus' love, kindness, and remain humble. Invite them to participate in various items with you and let your JESUS HANG OUT!

  When you go to the gym and are lifting weights you like to have a buddy we call a spotter.  Plus, it is more enjoyable with 2 or more working together.This is what we should do in our Christian walk - pair up     (no, not like the JW's do) but have a buddy or buddies to fellowship with.

  How do we show our Christian spirit and love one another?  By encouraging each other; praying for one another, being humble, serve others willingly, live at peace with one another (don't be the ole sore head), show forgiveness, and don't badmouth (gossip) about others, be truthful and bear one anothers burdens.

  In conclusion we should remember:  LOVE NEVER FAILS!!!!!

   Scriptures?  Okay- here are the scriptures to each of the above mentioned attributes: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20thessalonians%204%3A18%3B%20Luke%2023%3A34%3B%20James%205%3A16%3B%20Philippians%202%3A3%3B%20Galatians%205%3A13%2C%2025%3B%20Ephesians%204%3A32%2C%2025%3B%20James%205%3A9%3B%20%20Matthew%2011%3A28-30%3B%20Galatians%206%3A2%3B%201%20Corinthians%2013%3A4-8&version=NIV;KJV

  When you have time, read each scripture and relate it to yourself.  Love you all and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

A final charge to Timothy and us - 2 Timothy 3:10-17

 Hello Christian Friends.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO COMPLAIN!!!!

   Paul gives a final charge to Timothy before he becomes a martyr for Christ.  It would behoove us to read, absorb, and take note of what Paul tells Timothy.  This letter applies to us as well.  I will insert comments in the scripture.

2 Timothy 3:10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.  Verse 10/11 talk to us about way of life. Paul went through persecutions and sufferings yet God rescued him.  He will do the same for us when we go through the tough times.

 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,  Verse 12 is not exactly what we wish to hear, but it is true and if we look around in America it is becoming more obvious. The encouraging news comes in verse 13.

 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Evil doers go from bad to worse.  We see this today in America.  The smash and grab situations in California; the dumming down of the morals in America. The good news is we are closer to seeing Jesus Christ return. Yea!!!

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  We have learned and know what we should do as the scriptures lead us.  Infancy, we all started out as infants in Christ and are still growing as was Timothy.

 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.  We need to study our scripture to help us go forth and be good witnesses for Jesus. We will know what to say, when to say, and how to say it.  Of Course the Holy Spirit is leading us as we go. 

Well, thank you for reading with me. May your weekend be wonderful and blessed. Love you all.'

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

2 Timothy 3:1-9 The scripture says it all!!!!

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good!  Complain not, for God is at hand and in control!

  As you read these verses please reflect on the events happening in America and around the world today.  Also, do a reflection of your personal attitude.

  A side note on Jannes and Jambres mentioned in these verses.  They were Pharaoh's chief magicians.  The Jewish Talmud records these men as men who left with the Israelites after passover and then were instrumental in creating the Golden Calf with Aaron while Moses was on the mountain.  However, this is not recorded in the Bible as the inspired word, but as history in the Talmud.  In the Talmud were the Mishnah and the Gemara. The Mishnah is the original written version of the oral law and the Gemara is the record of the rabbinic discussions following this writing down. It includes their differences of view. Take it for what it is worth.

  Here is the scripture: 2 Timothy 3:

1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

   Thank you for reading with me today.  In all this we must remember that Jesus Christ is Lord; God is in control; and the Holy Spirit is here with us.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Who is Phygellus and Hermogenes? 2 Timothy 1:7 and 15; 2 Timothy 2:3

 Hello friend.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. YOU ARE BLESSED-----DON'T COMPLAIN JUST PRAISE GOD!!!!!

  Okay, so Paul is writing this letter to Timothy whom he calls his son in the faith. Paul is encouraging Timothy to stay strong in faith and follow the Holy Spirit.

  Now, Phygellus, whose name means fugitive and Hermogenes, whose name signifies "lucky born".  Well, the names are fitting and we'll see that later.

  2 Timothy 1: 15 This thou knowest, that all those who are in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

  First, many of the churches in Asia had not disbanded nor turned away from being "Christian", however, they did turn away from the doctrine of GRACE.  They brought legalism back in.

  Well, Phygellus, a fugitive, rebelled or turned away from Paul's teaching of grace and following the Holy Spirit.  Hermogenes, a man who was well off, well educated, and felt he did not need the Lord. 

  It is interesting that Paul, in his writings and last 3 epistles mentioned 34 people and number 14 and 15 were Phygellus and Hermogenes.   Hermogenes, being well thought of, wealthy, and chose to go another way was led by Phygellus, fugitive, and he footed the bill for everything.  Interesting how this really is relevant to today's world as well.  Satan turned their hearts away from God and into themselves.

  The warning here to Timothy and to us is we need not fear nor be led astray but remember the Holy Spirit is here to lead and guide us.  We have many temptations lying in wait to attack us, the Christians of the world, and we must be strong. Jesus left us the power to overcome with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and we must do so.  (2 Timothy verses)

  2 Timothy 1: 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

  We, you and I, Christians, will encounter problems in our Spiritual life, BUT, we must meet them head on with the Holy Spirit leading us and be a good soldier.  At the end we need to hear those famous words, "well done good and faithful servant".

  2 Timothy 2: 3 Endure thou therefore hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

   The whole point I am trying to make here is that we need to stay the course, hardships or smooth sailing we never get complacent or give up.  God has sent the comforter, Holy Spirit, to be with us always.  Be not as Phygellus or Hermogenes and turn away, but, be strong as is Paul and Timothy.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Who is Onesiphorus [Ŏne sĭph'o rŭs] 2 Timothy 1:16-17

 

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!

  Well, speaking of stress------many people this time of year become stressed and why?   We tend to forget the meaning of Christmas, actually, we change the meaning of Christmas where we briefly think about Jesus Christ and then go into shopping mode for Christmas.  In other words, we make Christmas a time to think about buying presents for grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, children and then stress even further when fighting crowds and driving to shop.

   Maybe we need to step back and survey the real meaning of Christmas.  Oh, yes, you will have those who start to argue that December is not the time of Christ's birth, it is a pagan holiday, and on and on.

    Christmas is a time we should be thinking about why Jesus came, what HE did for us, and the joy of being in a relationship with JESUS CHRIST.  We should be more like Onesiphorus.  Who?  Who is that?

  well, dear friend, this was a man of whom Paul held in high esteem.  Let us look at the scripture and talk about it for a moment.

   2 Timothy 1:¹⁶ The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: ¹⁷ But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

  Paul is asking GOD to give mercy or bless the house of Onesiphorus.  Why?

First, he was quite kind many times to Paul (he oft refreshed me). We should show kindness to all around us, not just friends and family.

   Second, (not ashamed of my chain) Some of Paul's "friends" did not like associating with him since he was chained and in prison.  We should look past this barrier.  This is a big stumbling block for me personally, and I pray God helps me overcome it. We need to see people as a single person who needs a friend unconditionally.

  Third, (he sought me out very diligently), is there someone you should seek out, hunt down, fellowship with and do good will to and with?  Someone you should cheer up?  Then go, do it.  This is another of my short comings.

  Fourth, back to the first, we may not be able to bless or reward the people as necessary, but GOD can.  We must pray for God's blessings on others.

  I do hope we forget the spirit of shopping, fighting crowds, road rage, and remember the spirit of Onesiphorus.  This is closer to what Jesus would want us to do than shopping and buying things for others that they don't need or appreciate.   May JESUS be the center of your Christmas.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

p.s. tomorrow, are you as phygellus and hermogenes?

The GREAT Re-set, the GREAT CHRISTIAN RE-SET! Genesis6:9-9-17, Revelation19:11-16

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!

  The GREAT Re-set, a CHRISTIAN re-set.  I am not talking about the "reset" that involves the billionaires and power people of this world.  I am talking about the power people of the UNIVERSE - aka OUR LIVING GOD.

   God is good, God is faithful, God is patient, God is loyal, God is always on time.  However, in today's world we are wondering what is going on and when will God return.

  In Genesis 6, starting with verse 9 we read: "12 And God looked upon the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

13 And God said unto Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

   Okay, why did this happen?  God saw what?  That the earth was corrupt and what.......filled with violence!!

               Does this ring a bell about our world now? (aka smash and run)

   Then what?  God knew Noah was a RIGHTEOUS man. Now is a time for you and me to do a self examination; could or would we be there with Noah?

   God sees and knows what is going on, what has happened, and what will happen; the time is just not right for God to intervene.  Well, with Noah, God hit the RESET button and the earth started over with Noah's clan.

   So, when will the next reset button happen?  I can tell you that it will happen when...........wait for it...........when.......when.......GOD IS READY!

  And when it does all the world will know it!  How?  Because ALL will see-

Christ on a White Horse (Revelation)

11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He [a]had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in [b]fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a [c]sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

  This will the be second re-set-----When our Savior JESUS CHRIST returns on a white horse with the armies of heaven following right behind.  It will be a glorious day for the Christians living at that time.

  Huh?  Christians living at that time.....what do you mean?  That is a study, week or month long study in itself.  If you want to know do a deep study of Revelations. 

   So, Jesus returning is the second re-set.  But......there is a third re-set and that is in the Revelation study.  Just be ready for the second re-set------ Jesus Christ returning.  Thanks for reading.  Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Don't drink the kool aid (don't be gullible), fear not - 2 Timothy 1:7

 Good morning friends,  God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!!

   With the corona virus there came wide spread "panic" when there really was no need.  Caution, YES, good doctors that knew what would work were told not to prescribe certain medicines.  We were to depend on the 'GOVERNMENT", which should always come with caution and suspect.  Ronald Regan is quoted as saying "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help. "

  Covid has a 97% recovery rate and America runs in fear.  When Ebola hit it had a fatality rate of 50% to 90%, yet no one ran in fear. 

  Pastor Samuel Rodriquez from California tells us not to drink the kool-aid, referring to the Jim Jones Jonestown episode in 1978,  We are to obey God's laws, AND, if the government goes against God's laws, we are not to sit quietly like a mouse, but stand up boldly and without fear for we know God is in control

  When corona hit, the governor of California proclaimed churches could not meet, nor could they meet in homes, and they could not sing hymns.  In other words he was trying to quiet, or squelch the church.  So, what did the churches in California do?  The most of them tucked tail, ran in the corner, and sat as quiet as a church mouse.  WHY???

  kjv-  2 Timothy1: 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

NIV- 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

   There is a new strain of virus out, BUT, we must remain strong why?????  Because God gives us power, love, and self-discipline. 

    AND- GOD HATH NOT GIVEN US THE SPIRIT OF FEAR!!!!

  Fellow Christian, stand strong in the face of evil.  Bow only to the LIVING GOD, believe in the blood of salvation that Jesus shed just for you.  Be strong, walk boldly, and fear not. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny